Updated: Peter Anderson to represent New Tec Ward 5
UPDATE: Scroll down for HOW THEY VOTED
News release from New Tecumseth Township November 20 2017
At a Special Council meeting held on Nov. 20, New Tecumseth Council voted to appoint Peter W. Anderson as Ward 5 Councillor effective immediately and for the remainder of the Council term ending on Nov. 30, 2018.
Mr. Anderson was the successful candidate for the Ward 5 Councillor position, that was left vacant when Donna Jebb was appointed to the Deputy Mayor position on Oct. 21, 2017 following the passing of former Deputy Mayor Jamie Smith on Aug. 1, 2017.
An open call for applications was held and 14 candidates expressed their interest in filling the Ward 5 Councillor vacancy.
“We would like to thank each of the 14 candidates for their interest in serving their community through the Ward 5 Councillor position. We are pleased to have appointed Mr. Anderson as Ward 5 Councillor and look forward to him joining our Council as our new representative for Ward 5,” said New Tecumseth Mayor Rick Milne.
Then there were 10 again
New Tecumseth Free Press Online November 21 2017
Peter Anderson takes his new seat last night after winning a second ballot vote, 5-4, to fill the Ward 5 vacancy. Mr. Anderson, a Ward 4 resident, secured four votes on the first ballot – Donna Jebb, Marc Biss, Paul Whiteside, and Fran Sainsbury. Stephanie MacLellan, a Ward 5 resident, had three votes – Michael Beattie, Richard Norcross, and Chris Ross. Alan Masters, a Ward 6 resident, had one vote – Shira Harrison-McIntyre; and Dave Wood, a Ward 8 resident, secured Mayor Rick Milne’s vote. The second ballot pitted Mr. Anderson, Ms. MacLellan, and Mr. Masters, who stayed on the ballot by virtue of a draw. Ms Harrison McIntyre, pictured above, swung her vote to Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Milne to Ms. MacLellan, ending in the 5-4 victory. UPDATED Correction posted Nov. 23 The original post contained an inaccurate reference to Mr. Anderson’s plans for 2018 elections. Free Press Online apologizes for any confusion this may have caused.
This is ridiculous! Why would someone run for council now if they’re not going to run again next year?
It is not considered good democratic practice to be appointed to a position, such as Municipal Councilor, and then run in an election later for that same position. This is due to the potential advantage the appointed Councilor would have over all other candidates in the election. Free and fair elections are the corner stone of democracy.